U.S. President Barack Obama has said that providing humanitarian assistance to the people in the Gaza Strip should not "undermine" Israel's security. The statement came after Israeli commandos intercepted a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid convoy in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday. The attack, which left at least 9 dead on Monday, was widely condemned by the international community. "The President spoke today with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to express his deep condolences for the loss of life and injuries resulting from the Israeli military operation against the Turkish-flagged ship bound for Gaza," the White House said in a statement. Turkey said on Tuesday Israel's attack would remain "a black spot" in the history of mankind and must entail harsh consequences. The country has already recalled its ambassador from Israel. "The President affirmed the importance of finding better ways to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza without undermining Israel's security," the statement said. The Freedom Flotilla carrying some 10,000 tons of aid to the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and some 700 human rights activists was attacked by Israeli commandos in neutral waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Israel earlier said that it would not allow foreign ships to approach the Gaza coast, citing that the ships could carry arms intended for rebels in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Instead, Israel offered to receive the ships at the port of Ashdod, inspect the cargo and then transport it over land to Gaza. The Israeli Interior Ministry said late on Tuesday that a total of 682 activists detained during the raid would be deported from Israel "within about 48 hours." There are citizens of some 40 countries among the detainees. Obama told the Turkish prime minister that the United States was "working in close consultation with Israel to help achieve the release of the passengers, including those deceased and wounded, and the ships themselves," the White House said. The U.S. president also "affirmed the United States position in support of a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation" demanded by the UN Security Council over the incident. Obama also "underscored the importance of a comprehensive peace agreement" intended to establish an "independent, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state as the way to resolve the overall situation" in the Middle East, the statement said. The Arab League has said it may recommend Palestinians to halt U.S.-basked indirect talks with Israel over the attack.